AD/B737/279 Fuselage Skin Panels Aft of Main Wheel Well (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes

AD/B737/279 Fuselage Skin Panels Aft of Main Wheel Well 4/2006

Applicability:

All Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series aircraft.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2005-13-30
Amdt 39-14167.

Note:  Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1065 Revision 2, or later FAA approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
22 December 2005.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 April 2006.

Background:

Reports were received of wrinkling and cracks in the fuselage side skins in the area just aft of the main wheel well.  Investigation revealed that the skin cracks are due to cyclic wrinkling of the skin.  The actions specified by this Directive are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the skin panels, which could cause rapid depressurisation of the aircraft.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 February 2006